Chapter 49 - Families Honor

Benjamin

"I would love it?" I echoed Raina. "Of course you do." She said shrugging. "Don't you?" Raina asked while she comfortably placed a blanket across her legs. I poured myself a glass of whiskey and drank it in one go. Then I poured myself another.

"What aren't you telling me?" Raina asked. "I have fallen in love." I said shaking my head. "Oh come on, don't act like that is such a secret. We all know about you and Jasmine." She Cooed.

I took another sip of my drink. "Her name is Saphira." I said. "Huh.." Was all Raina could manage. "Are you sure?" Raina asked looking at the sealing.

"Yes." I breathed. "So you no longer have feelings for Jasmine?" She questioned. I wanted to say no, but that would hardly be the truth.

The door opened. "My lady Jasmine is here your highness. She says Raina has invited her to watch a movie." My guard said.

"Let her in." I said solemnly.

Jasmine peeked her head around the corner. She wore a deep red satin abaya which perfectly clung to her body. "Hey Ben." She greeted me nonchalantly. I took another sip of my whiskey and nodded at her. She smiled slightly.

"Jazz! Come sit here!" Raina exclaimed. Jasmine took a seat on the far edge of the coach from where Raina sat. "You sit here!" Raina said as she patted the space between her and Jasmine.

I sat in between them a little awkwardly. "How are you little pea?" I asked her, trying to act normal.

"Well actually…" She began to say. "Did you know that your mind can play tricks on you, and that you sometimes see things that aren't really happening." Jasmine went on enthusiastically. She made me smile.

"Oh." I turned to her. "Tell me more." I said playfully. Jasmine went on and on about different shades of colors, and how it could seem as if a picture moved, when indeed it did not. It was so good to see her curious as ever, lighthearted and happy. It was such a contrast as apposed what I saw of her at night.

"How do you like the courses you receive in the palace?" I asked her, feeling my body relax. Jasmine looked Radiant. "Nasim is very intelligent." She smiled. "I couldn't think of a better teacher." She bit her lip.

"Ah! So you hear that Raina. Little miss pea here, doesn't think I am the better teacher." I held my mouth open, faking shock. Jazz snickered. It was so good to hear her smile again.

"Well then, let's watch the movie, before I get further insulted." I chuckled.

"Ugh!" Jasmine objected during the movie. "Why can't a woman bring honor to her family in another way than to marry and have children." She said upset.

"That was a long time ago." I said.

Remembering where I was, I caught myself. "But some cultures haven't emancipated still."

"Would you change that?" Raina murmured. "If you would become crown prince, would you change the laws of this country?" Raina asked. I stroke my hand through my hair.

"I wouldn't wish to be the crown prince." I said thoughtfully. "Why not?" Jasmine said intense.

"Because, although I love to come here and spend time with my favorite cousin…" I said winking at Raina. "I love going back home to Malibu and be free. Free of protocol, free of being a prince. I'm just me…" I said directing myself to Jasmine.

"So because you want to be free and you want to be you, the Saudi woman should be suppressed for eternity, always hiding their true self?" Jasmine said accusingly.

"I can't save the world." I shrugged. "But you can save this county and take it into the twenty first century." Jasmine went on.

"Speaking of which." I said trying to distract her. "I have got a little surprise for the both of you."

Raina and Jasmine both squeaked in my ear. "Dinner first lady's." I said smiling.

Saphira

If I was honest, the reason I had send that picture was because the name 'Jasmine' bothered me much more than I admitted. I told Sierra I would never have competition. But in reality I wasn't so confidant on that.

I wanted to play with his head. I wanted him to want me. Only me.

Lynn had agreed to come over and join our slumber party. When Sierra went to the Bathroom I told her a little about the conversation I had with her brother. "I bet the two of you get married very soon." Lynn said.

"What makes you think that?" I asked puzzled by her statement. She laughed as if what she said, was something very obvious. "You think my brother could wait…. That long!" She said giggling.

I blushed. I knew, what she meant now.

That made me think of something. While Sierra came back into my bedroom, I had sent Benjamin a… Picture…. That was a ...Little bit provocative. I hadn't had any response yet. I picked up my phone and I realized it was on silent. He had sent me a text, about a half an hour ago..

While the girls babbled on, I opened our conversation to see what he had written.

Benjamin: Hi love.

Benjamin: I've just woken up to see if you had

sent me my picture of the day.

Benjamin: Please sent me one. Even if you're in your PJ'S.

That was odd. Oh well, maybe I hadn't sent it yet after all. It was a silly little thing of me to do anyway. I took a picture of myself and sierra laughed at that. "I didn't know you did 'selfies'." Sierra barked a laugh. "I've become quite an expert on them actually." I said a little bit sarcastic.

"Ben makes me take a selfie every day." I added. I hit sent and watched Ben come online again, as I heard the girls giggle in the background.

Benjamin: Now I regret telling you to make a picture

even if you were in your PJ's.

Benjamin: I didn't know you were wearing THAT…. I'm in serious company here…

Seen something you didn't like then? :Saphira

Benjamin: You're troublesome… you…

Benjamin: I was supposed to catch up on school

work tonight. Since you kept me from school.

Benjamin: Now I will never be able to concentrate.

Benjamin: You're my worst distraction… ever.

I love you too. :Saphira

I was wearing a lace black v-neck nightgown. If that got his head spinning….. Now I was glad I didn't sent the first picture… I was chuckling to myself now.